Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
We pursue our national interests and project the UK as a force for good in the world. We promote the interests of British citizens, safeguard the UK’s security, defend our values, reduce poverty and tackle global challenges with our international partners.
Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Lord Purvis of Tweed (LD - Life peer)Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs)
Calum Miller (LD - Bicester and Woodstock)
Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Conservative
Priti Patel (Con - Witham)Shadow Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs
Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)Green Spokesperson (Foreign Affairs)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Lord Callanan (Con - Life peer)Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Wendy Morton (Con - Aldridge-Brownhills)
Shadow Minister (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Ministers of State
Stephen Doughty (LAB - Cardiff South and Penarth)Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Lord Collins of Highbury (Lab - Life peer)Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Seema Malhotra (LAB - Feltham and Heston)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Chris Elmore (Lab - Bridgend)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
14:50
Although China is the UK’s fifth largest trading partner, the UK Government has, in recent years, described China as an …
To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to her Department’s Eastern Neighbourhood Small …
This Order approves the making of payments on behalf of the Government of the United Kingdom to the Caribbean Development …
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under …
21:19
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Commons Appearances
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:- Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
- Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
- Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.
Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Most Recent Commons Appearances by Category
Bills currently before Parliament
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 Parliament
A Bill to make provision for and in connection with the implementation by the United Kingdom of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 12th February 2026 and was enacted into law.
Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Secondary Legislation
Petitions
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
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Petition Closed
Urgently fulfil humanitarian obligations to Gaza
Gov Responded - 8 Aug 2025 Debated on - 24 Nov 2025closed 7 months, 1 week ago
Act to ensure deliverer of fuel, food, aid, life saving services etc. We think this shouldn't be dependant/on condition of Israeli facilitation as the Knesset voted against UNWRA access to Gaza. We think if military delivery of aid, airdrops, peacekeepers etc, are needed, then all be considered.
Departmental Select Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
11 Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 16th December 2024
Foreign Affairs Committee Member since 27th October 2025
Foreign Affairs Committee: Upcoming Events
Foreign Affairs Committee: 17 Current Inquiries
Foreign Affairs Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)Details of ministerial meetings with external individuals and organisations are routinely published by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on a quarterly basis.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Charlie Dewhirst
(Conservative - Bridlington and The Wolds)
Details of all central government commercial contracts above a value of £12,000 are routinely published on the Contract Finder website.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is a strong supporter of international efforts to assist Rohingya refugees and to work towards a safe, sustainable and dignified solution to their displacement.
The UK regularly raises the Myanmar crisis and the need to assist Rohingya and other refugees with Malaysia and other neighbouring countries. Malaysia is not a party to the UN Refugee Convention but runs its asylum and refugee process in collaboration with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
In January 2026, the Malaysian government introduced a centralised biometric registration system for refugees and asylum seekers. The UK is working with international partners to encourage Malaysia to build appropriate safeguards into its registration system and broader asylum and refugee process.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration is responsible for immigration matters in BIOT.
The last Heritage Visit for Chagossians to visit the Archipelago took place in February 2020, and was attended by 27 Chagossians. Heritage visits were paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and during treaty negotiations with Mauritius. The Government acknowledges the importance of heritage visits to the Chagossian community and is working to reinstate these as soon as possible.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The British Indian Ocean Territory (BIOT) Administration is responsible for immigration matters in BIOT.
The last Heritage Visit for Chagossians to visit the Archipelago took place in February 2020, and was attended by 27 Chagossians. Heritage visits were paused in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and during treaty negotiations with Mauritius. The Government acknowledges the importance of heritage visits to the Chagossian community and is working to reinstate these as soon as possible.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We assess our relevant treaty obligations in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We assess our relevant treaty obligations in accordance with the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 6 January in response to Question 101336.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK does not provide funding to the Belarusian regime. Assistance in Belarus is delivered through our Embassy in Minsk and is focused on supporting vulnerable people and communities who have limited or no access to alternative charitable support. Such projects are small scale and humanitarian in nature. The Hon Member can find details of all programmes supported by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) at the Development Tracker website on GOV.UK.
Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 25 February in response to Question 114008.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 25 February in response to Question 114008.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the press release published on GOV.UK on 20 February setting out our plans for the conference: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/global-partnerships-conference-to-build-new-international-coalitions-to-tackle-shared-challenges
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement issued by the Foreign Secretary on 19 February following the sentencing of Lindsay and Craig Foreman. The sentence is completely appalling and totally unjustifiable. We will pursue this case relentlessly with the Iranian government until we see Craig and Lindsay Foreman safely returned to the UK and reunited with their family. In the meantime, their welfare is our priority and we will continue to provide consular assistance to them and their families.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK champions freedom of religion or belief for all and, where appropriate, will raise these issues with the Egyptian authorities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and plans for a first assisted departure from Oman. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of any further evacuation plans, but for now, the primary objective remains to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the resumption of normal commercial flights.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK is deeply concerned by rising tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban. An escalation in hostilities is in no one's interest. At the United Nations in February, the Foreign Secretary discussed the situation with her Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar and, on 10 March, I expressed my concern about ongoing hostilities in a meeting with Pakistan Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi. More broadly, in January, the UK Special Envoy to Afghanistan visited Islamabad and encouraged de-escalation in talks with both Pakistani and Taliban interlocutors. Alongside that, UK officials regularly engage Taliban Ministers and officials to encourage them to engage in dialogue, as well as relevant third parties, including Qatar, Türkiye, and Saudi Arabia who can help to support these goals.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK continues to champion Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) for all, including countries where Christians face persecution or discrimination because of their faith. Last July, the UK's Special Envoy for FoRB, David Smith MP, set out the Government's new strategy on FoRB, providing a framework for engagement with other countries, and describing the links between the protection of FoRB and other goals including the prevention of conflict. As part of this strategy, the UK continues to champion FoRB on the international stage, including through our position in the United Nations and the Article 18 Alliance.
Specifically on Mali, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer that the Minister for the Middle East and North Africa gave on 22 August 2025 to Question HC68011, provided below for ease of reference:
The UK strongly condemns attacks on religious minorities in Mali. We have consistently called on all actors in Mali to respect human rights and adhere to international human rights law. For example, at the April 2025 Security Council briefing on the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, the UK expressed concern at the human rights abuses committed in the Sahel and called on the UN to lead the way in emphasising the importance of international humanitarian law. Through the Magna Carta Fund, the UK has also promoted ancient Malian texts enshrining progressive values such as religious tolerance. This has helped to underline that such values have local roots and undermine the notion that human rights are a Western import.
Minister of State (Development)
The Government has condemned Iran's reckless attacks across the region, including on Gulf partners who are not party to the conflict, and remains firmly committed to their security. That commitment is reflected in the US‑UK‑Bahrain C‑SIPA defence pact. Within the auspices of C-SIPA, the UK Chief of Defence Staff spoke with Bahraini National Security Advisor (NSA) His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and with US CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper on 5 March, with both the UK and US reaffirming support for Bahrain. The Prime Minister spoke with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on 5 March to offer defence support, including RAF Typhoons deployed in theatre. We remain closely engaged with the US on the regional situation and will continue to defend Bahrain, our allies, and UK interests.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government has condemned Iran's reckless attacks across the region, including on Gulf partners who are not party to the conflict, and remains firmly committed to their security. That commitment is reflected in the US‑UK‑Bahrain C‑SIPA defence pact. Within the auspices of C-SIPA, the UK Chief of Defence Staff spoke with Bahraini National Security Advisor (NSA) His Highness Sheikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa and with US CENTCOM Commander Admiral Cooper on 5 March, with both the UK and US reaffirming support for Bahrain. The Prime Minister spoke with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa on 5 March to offer defence support, including RAF Typhoons deployed in theatre. We remain closely engaged with the US on the regional situation and will continue to defend Bahrain, our allies, and UK interests.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement I gave to the House on 5 March, and the answers provided to questions raised in response. We will provide further such updates on a regular basis, including the details of any evacuation plans, but for now, our priority remains to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the resumption of normal commercial flights.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 4 March, which can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/summoning-of-the-iranian-ambassador-to-the-united-kingdom-fcdo-statement--2.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and assisted departures have now taken place from both Oman and Dubai. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of our ongoing evacuation flights, as well as our efforts to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the full resumption of normal commercial flights.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and assisted departures have now taken place from both Oman and Dubai. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of our ongoing evacuation flights, as well as our efforts to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the full resumption of normal commercial flights.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The safety and security of British nationals is our top priority. On 3 March, the Foreign Secretary spoke to the House about the consular support available to individuals in the Middle East, and assisted departures have now taken place from both Oman and Dubai. We will provide further updates on a regular basis, including details of our ongoing evacuation flights, as well as our efforts to secure an end to Iran's attacks on countries in the region, and the full resumption of normal commercial flights.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government's top priority is the safety and welfare of British nationals affected by the conflict in the Middle East. Airspace closures and security restrictions have made travel extremely difficult, but the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has stood up 24/7 consular support and is working closely with airlines and regional governments to help British nationals return home as soon as routes become viable. British nationals across the region should register their presence with the FCDO so we can provide direct updates. We will continue to prioritise assistance to the most vulnerable as the situation develops.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Government does not routinely discuss matters relating to Türkiye with the Egyptian Government.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Rt Hon Member to the answer provided on 11 March in response to Question 114825.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
We are concerned about the military escalation in Lebanon, especially the impact on civilians, and we are coordinating closely with the Government of Lebanon and humanitarian partners to provide support. On 3 March, I discussed the situation with Lebanese Foreign Minister Rajji, and we will continue to press for de-escalation in our other talks with international partners.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK remains committed to working towards lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people. We continue to support the work of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and use our role as penholder for Yemen at the UN Security Council to galvanise international support and advance progress towards an inclusive political settlement.
We also continue to urge the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security in Yemen. The UK is currently the largest donor to the UN-led Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, delivering £139 million in aid through the UN and other agencies in 2025/26, including dedicated support to enable those organisations to carry out their work.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The UK remains committed to working towards lasting peace and prosperity for the Yemeni people. We continue to support the work of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen and use our role as penholder for Yemen at the UN Security Council to galvanise international support and advance progress towards an inclusive political settlement.
We also continue to urge the international community to respond to the rapidly deteriorating levels of food security in Yemen. The UK is currently the largest donor to the UN-led Yemen Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, delivering £139 million in aid through the UN and other agencies in 2025/26, including dedicated support to enable those organisations to carry out their work.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Preet Kaur Gill
(Labour (Co-op) - Birmingham Edgbaston)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was made aware of the Government Statistical Service's public consultation on the harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection in the UK. The FCDO did not submit a response given the domestic focus of the consultation.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
Preet Kaur Gill
(Labour (Co-op) - Birmingham Edgbaston)
The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) was made aware of the Government Statistical Service's public consultation on the harmonised standard for ethnicity data collection in the UK. The FCDO did not submit a response given the domestic focus of the consultation.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon. Member to the answer provided to question 67802 on 6 August 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
As I made clear in my statements to the House at the time, I have the greatest respect for the courage of those Iranians who peacefully exercised their right to protest around the turn of the year, and the greatest sympathy for the friends and families of all those who were killed for doing so. However, decisions around the construction of public memorials are a matter for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS), so it would be for DCMS ministers to consider my Hon Friend's suggestion.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the summary of legal advice published on 1 March, and available on GOV.UK at the following link : https://www.gov.uk/government/news/summary-of-the-uk-government-legal-position-the-legality-of-defensive-action-in-respect-of-iranian-regional-attacks
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
The Department assesses the effectiveness and value for money of UK-funded projects in the areas mentioned through its business case process, quarterly progress reports, annual reviews and Project Completion Reviews, including checks on financial performance, risk management and delivery against agreed objectives. Programme Responsible Owners within the Department apply the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Programme Operating Framework to monitor progress, using tools such as risk registers, results frameworks and value-for-money assessments throughout the project lifecycle.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to my remarks in the Westminster Hall Debate on the Gaza Healthcare System on 24 February 2026.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
I refer the Hon Member to the answer given on 21 October 2025 in response to Question 80474.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)
There is no shortage of available staff for the roles required at present, nor do we anticipate there will be after the completion of the FCDO 2030 programme.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)